U.S. Army Places Order for Raven UAS

AeroVironment received a $13.5 million order from the United States Army. The order – the final portion of a contract valued at $59.6 million – includes RQ-11B Raven unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), miniature gimbaled payloads and initial spares packages. Delivery of systems, spares and payloads is scheduled for completion by Sept. 15.

AeroVironment received three prior orders against this contract in May 2012, August 2012 and March 2013 for $15.8 million, $16.5 million and $13.8 million, respectively. The total actual value of the contract is $59.6 million, compared to its initial projected “not to exceed” value of $65.9 million.

“AeroVironment developed and deployed the Raven system quickly and effectively to support our military forces in a dynamic threat environment,” said Roy Minson, AeroVironment senior vice president and general manager, Unmanned Aircraft Systems. “As a result, the Raven, along with Puma and Wasp, make up the large majority of the Pentagon’s unmanned aircraft fleet. Importantly, however, because of the low cost and efficiency of our solutions, our small unmanned aircraft accounted for less than five percent of total reported United States Department of Defense UAS spending since 2004. We deliver highly effective solutions that improve capabilities for the warfighter at low cost to the U.S. taxpayer.”